CONSERVATOR4045E1 Pay Grade: 23 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work in the preservation, protection, and conservation of materials of artifactual, historical, or intellectual value. Work involves examining objects to be preserved to identify the composition and condition in order to determine the appropriate environment for the preservation of each object and to provide appropriate conservation treatment. Work also involves performing the treatments and maintaining a detailed written and photographic record of treatments, as well as operating a conservation laboratory. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C - "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B - Average - where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C - Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level experience a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consulting with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D - Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL B - The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL B - The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B - The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B - Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker," performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as evaluating work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Museum Specialist class in which the incumbents administer museum activities such as curatorial and registration work. Differs from the Historic Preservation Specialist class series in which the incumbents perform work to ensure the preservation and restoration of historic places/architecture. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Operates a conservation laboratory in such areas as decorative art, books and other intellectual documents, textiles, or other objects. Examines objects to determine condition and, in some instances, authenticity, including investigation and recording of original structure and materials, structural faults and damages, losses, deterioration, and subsequent additions or changes. Performs preservation treatment of objects within area of expertise by applying appropriate stabilization techniques according to accepted, conservationally sound practices to halt further deterioration. Reverses alteration by conservation treatment to return an artifact to a previous or original structural state. Consults with lead conservator, curatorial, exhibition, and administrative staff to establish priorities for the examination and treatment of artifacts. Provides treatment and care of artifacts, books, or other materials to be preserved at historic sites, university libraries or other locations. Chairs committees to advise on proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Conducts condition surveys of museum collections within area of expertise. Develops an education program in area of expertise to instruct department staff and others in the proper care, preservation, and handling of artifacts. Oversees technician and non-conservation personnel in the performance of conservation-related work. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the history of art and artifact conservation technology. *Knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of artifacts, books, or other materials and the mechanisms of deterioration by environment. Knowledge of library preservation and conservation treatments and technology. Abilities *Ability to work effectively with department staff in developing and following correct procedures for the care and preservation of collections. *Ability to communicate technical information effectively. *Ability to operate a conservation laboratory within area of expertise. *Ability to make accurate microchemical and microscopic identification of the composition of artifacts or written materials. *Ability to effectively apply the techniques of preservation and restoration. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree relevant to the field of historical organization, agency or museum work. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/94 |